The Burned-Over District is a term used by some to describe the region of Western New York in the historical period of 1800-1850. It is also sometimes called the Second Great Awakening with a combination of religious, social and political elements.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Mark Twain and Me

"In the new issue of the Mark Twain Journal, a rare book dealer presents his discovery of an 1861 magazine sketch that offers the first fact-based theory on 'Mark Twain'; it suggests Clemens found his pseudonym in a popular humor journal, then invented the riverboat story to promote his Missouri roots" — A New Theory on "Mark Twain" by Daniel Hernandez. "A slightly unromantic, yet nonetheless redolent theory, it summons a lesser-known part of Twain’s personal character: his proven cunning in respect to his brand."